Male Infertility
Conditions
Keywords
male, infertility
Brief summary
The goal of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between the levels of Vitamin E in sperm and sperm DNA fragmentation. Previous research has shown that damage to the DNA in sperm may cause infertility or increase the chances of miscarriage, if the damage is extensive (eg. present in the overwhelming majority of sperm). Some studies suggest that DNA damage can be caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which are present in some foods, can prevent damage to cells from free radicals, which are naturally present by-products of metabolism. We ask whether there is a correlation between sperm DNA damage and Vitamin E
Detailed description
Sperm DNA damage is an emerging cause of male infertility that is likely to be more common among men with increased reactive oxygen species in the ejaculate. Vitamin E can protect the sperm membrane from oxidative damage and increased levels are associated with low levels of reactive oxygen species. This is a study of Vitamin E levels in the spermatozoa and sera of 48 infertile men, and 20 fertile men as a control group, to look for correlations between sperm vitamin E levels and the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation. Dietary intake of antioxidants will also be included.
Interventions
OTHERbehavior, procedure
Sponsors
Mae Stone Goode Foundation
University of Rochester
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* infertile men with previously abnormal semen analyses. * Control group: fertile adult males
Exclusion criteria
* Proxceed use within 3 months of the start of study. * Vitamin E supplements with \> 45 IU daily
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| correlate vitamin E levels in spermatozoa with degree of DNA fragmentation in infertile men | — |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed